Rome Metro System (Underground trains)
A guide to Rome's Metro system
Like London, New York and Paris, one of the easiest ways to get around Rome is to use the city's extensive underground train system. Rome's metro system is one of the oldest in Europe and as such, isn't as big as the likes found in New York and London, however it is still extremely popular with locals and tourists alike.
Rome is a busy city and in comparison to other capital cities, the Underground System is quite small, so even during off peak times the train carriages are often quite packed and busy.
The system has just two lines, imaginatively called 'A' and 'B'. Both lines meet at the Rome Termini Station, the city's main public transport station. The trains are regular, with a new service coming along every 4-10 minutes with services running until 11.30pm during the week and 12.30am on Saturday.
Buying tickets is also easy to do, and as with most underground services you must get your passes before you board the train so as to get past the ticket barriers. Season tickets are also available and this is what most of the locals will be using, but most opt for 'one-off' tickets. It is important that you do get a ticket, because they are regularly checked and if you don't have one, you will receive a 51 euro fine.
Unlike Paris or London where you can count on the underground to take you to the main sights and the city centre, Rome's underground system is comparatively limited with stops only next to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the infamous Spanish Steps. This is due, in part, not only to the age of the city but because the centre is so compact, it is easily navigated by foot.
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